Country Profile

One of the world's oldest civilization, china is bestowed with the world's longest written language system. The country is vested on 9,596,960 sq km area. In 2007, china's GDP rate touched the hallmark of $3.249 trillion mark. The industrial structure constitutes mining, iron, steel, textile, petroleum, cement, chemicals, fertilizers, automobiles, aircraft, food processing, aluminum and satellites. China's industrial production rate have seen a rise of 12.9% in its growth rate. The country is a worldwide acclaimed supplier of machinery, electrical products, textiles, steel and mobile phones with a total export of $1.221 trillion.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• Second largest economy in the world in terms Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
• World's largest developing economy.
• In the last quarter, the economy has changed from a centrally planned system to a more market-oriented economy. The country experienced tremendous economic growth since the late 1970s.
• Third largest trading country in the world.
• Mainly dominated by industry but agriculture is the leading occupation.
• World's largest producer of rice and wheat and major producer of sweet potatoes, sorghum, millet, barley, peanuts, corn, soybeans, and potatoes. In cash crops it ranks first in cotton and tobacco. Important producer of oilseeds, silk, tea, ramie, jute, hemp, sugarcane, and sugar beets.
• One of the world's major mineral-producing countries.
• Ranks first in world production of red meat.
• With improved technology, the fishing industry has grown considerably since the late 1970s.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Food and Live Animals, Beverages and Tobacco, Crude Materials, Inedible, Except Fuels, Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials, Animals and Vegetable Oils, Fats and Waxes, Chemicals and Related Products, Machinery and Transport Equipment, Optical and Medical Equipments, Iron and Steel, Plastics, Apparel and Textile.

Main Destinations of Exports
US, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Germany

Major Import Items
Food and Live Animals, Beverages and Tobacco, Crude Materials, Inedible, Except Fuels, Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and Related Materials, Animal and Vegetable Oils, Fats and Waxes, Chemicals and Related Products, Machinery and Transport Equipment, Optical and Medical Equipments, Iron and Steel, Plastics.

Main Origins of Imports
Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, US, Germany

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules
To apply for an entry visa to China, the applicant is required to lodge with this Consulate no less than the following:

• Passport with at least one full blank page;
• Visa Application Form duly completed;
• The full name of the applicant should be written in BLOCK letter;
• One recent passport size photo;
• Application fees; and
• An original letter of invitation by a Chinese governmental authority or competent Chinese company.

Business Hourss
9.00 am to 5.00 pm (Monday to Friday with an hour for lunch)
9.00 am to 1.00 pm (Saturdays)

Public Holidays